SH 222 
.A4 T3 
Copy 1 



[ EXTRACTED FROM THE BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH 
COMMISSION, VOLUME IX, FOR 1889, pp. 279-288.] 



14.-THE FISHING GROUNDS OF BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA: A PRELIMINARY 
REPORT UPON THE INVESTIGATIONS OF THE U. S. FISH COMMIS- 
SION STEAMER ALBATROSS DURING THE SUMMER OF 1890. 



BY 



Lieut. Commander Z. L. TANNER, U. S. Navy. 



(With Plates CVIII-CX.) 



WASHINGTON: 

government printing office. 
1891. 



[ EXTRACTED FROM THE BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH 
COMMISSION, VOLUME IX, FOK 1889, pp. 279-288. ] 



14 -THE FISHING GROUNDS OF BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA: A PRELIMINARY 
REPORT UPON THE INVESTIGATIONS OF THE U. S. FISH COMMIS- 
SION STEAMER ALBATROSS DUKING THE SUMMER OF 1890. 



BT 



Lieut. Commander Z. L. TANNER, U. S. Navy. 



(With Plates CVIII-CX.) 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
1801. 



■ . , ■ • 



-/x? 

^ 



>' 



By transfer 
AUG II 190b 



14 -THE FISHING GROUNDS OF BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA: A PRELIMINARY 

REPORT UPON THE INVESTIGATIONS OF THE U. S. FISH 

COMMISSION STEAMER ALBATROSS DURING 

THE SUMMER OF 1890. 



BY LIEUT. COMMANDER Z. L. TANNER, U. S. NAVY. 



[Accompanied by three charts, forming Plates cvm-cx.] 
INTRODUCTION. 

Bering Sea was designated as the working ground for the steamer Albatross dur- 
ing the summer of 1S90, the object of the cruise being to develop its offshore fishing 
grounds. The exploration of the cod banks of Bristol Bay occupied most of the time, 
and this report is chiefly limited to adiscnssion of that region. We also made a par- 
tial reconuoissauce of the coast lines as an indispensable preliminary to the fishery 
investigations. In prosecuting the work the region was thoroughly sounded, the 
currents, wind, and weather observed, and other information obtained of such direct 
value to the fisherman and mariner that it was deemed advisable to present the prin- 
cipal results in advance of the regular report. All the bearings given are magnetic, 
and the depths are expressed in fathoms. Longitudes depend upon Dall's astronom- 
ical station, Iliuliuk Harbor (point opposite the wharf), being in longitude 166° 31' 
44.2" W. 

Bristol Bay may be said to include all that part of Bering Sea lying east of a line 
drawn from the Northwest Cape of Unimak Island to the Kuskokwim River. The 
Island of Unimak and the Alaska Peninsula bound it on the south and east, and sep- 
arate it from the Pacific Ocean. The Naknek River is at the head of deep-water 
navigation, while the bay itself terminates in the Kvichak River, a few miles to the 
northward. The region about the Nushagak River, Kulukak Bay, and the Kuskokwim 
forms its northwest boundary. 

The shore lines are usually low, and without distinctive features, but high moun- 
tain ranges and volcanic cones extend along the central parts of Unimak and the 
Alaska Peninsula. These rugged snow-covered mountains and lofty peaks would 
serve as unmistakable landmarks were they not obscured by the almost constant fogs 
which prevail in that region during the summer months. In fact, they were so seldom 
visible during the season of 1890 that the officers of the Albatross made no pretense 

279 



280 BULLETIN OP THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION 

of using them as landmarks. The shore line and objects near the sea level were ofteD 
seen beneath the fog when the higher lands were obscured, and, therefore, most of the 
available landmarks were found on or near the beach. 



THE COAST FROM TJNIMAK PASS TO POET MOLLEB. 

The Northwest Cape of Unimak is low with detached rocks, around which strong 
tidal currents sweep. The land falls away to the eastward in a gentle curve, forming 
an open bay about 4 miles in depth between the cape and Cave Point, which lies NNE. 
£ E., 16 miles from the former. It is a vertical rocky cliff about 150 feet in height, 
aud takes its name from a cave on its face, inhabited by sea birds which in summer 
time hover about it in thousands, making it conspicuous in clear weather by their num- 
bers and in fogs by their constant cries. 

The snow-clad peak of Progrumnoi Volcano, rising to an altitude of 5,523 feet above 
the sea, forms a striking background to the low monotonous coast. 

Passing Cape La-pin, a low bluff point 8 miles from Cave Point, the coast falls 
away slightly for <i miles, when it turns abruptly to the eastward for 5 miles, and then 
takes a northerly direction, forming Shaw Bay. This bay is open to the northward, 
but affords protection from all winds to the southward of east or west. The approaches 
are clear, and the water shoals gradually to 6 fathoms, black sand, about three-quarters 
of a mile from shore. 

From Shaw Bay to Isanotski Strait the coast trends in a northeasterly direction, 
is very low, and has several rocky patches extending from half a mile to a mile from 
shore, making navigation unsafe inside the 12-fathom line. The volcano of Shishaldin 
rises 8,953 feet, about midway between the above points and 7 or 8 miles inland. 
Isanotski Strait is available only for vessels of the smallest class. 

From the strait to Cape Glasenap, about 19 miles, the coast line retains the same 
general direction and is very low until reaching the latter point, which is oval in form, 
about 150 feet in height, and has been called Bound Point. 

Izenbek Bay covers a large area at high tide, but much of it becomes dry at low 
water. A small vessel may, however, find a secure harbor behind the cape. The 
channel follows close around the point, and has a depth of 10 to 12 feet on the bar. 

Amak Island is of volcnnic origin, about 2i miles in length, 1£ miles in width, 
and 1,682 feet in height. It lies 11 miles northwest from Cape Glasenap. The beaches 
are mostly of huge water-worn bowlders, having vertical bluffs from 30 to 150 feet in 
height with moss-covered plateaus, which in summer time are covered with a rank 
growth of grass aud wi'd flowers. The central peak is of dark brown rock, exceed- 
ingly ragged and precipitous, and entirely devoid of vegetation. The southeast point 
was fonnd to be in latitude 55° 25' 05.6" N. aud longitude 163° 07' 33.6" W. There is 
foul grouud off the northwest extremity of the island, several rocks awash or under 
water, and Sea Lion Bock lying between 2 and 3 miles distant. The latter is several 
hundred yards in extent an 1 about 150 feet high, its slopes being occupied by an 
extensive rookery of sea lions. 

The Khudiakof Islands extend about 19 miles NNE. 1 E., between Cape Glasenap 
and Moft'ett Point. They are but little above high water, and some of them are con- 
nected by narrow spits when the tide is out. 



FISHING GROUNDS OP BRISTOL BAY. 281 

From Moffett Point the low coast trends north by east 15 miles to Gerstle Bay, 
then to the norhward and eastward about 55 miles to Wolf Point, on the western side 
of the entrance to Port Moller. 

The Khudubiu Islands occupy the last 23 miles of this distance. They are very 
low, and it is difficult to distinguish them from the mainland, the only distinctive 
feature being a knob about 25 feet high on the east end of Kritskoi. The land between 
Hereudeen Bay and Nelson Lagoon is very low. 

PORT MOLLER, IIERENDEEN BAY, AND VICINITY. 

Port Moller and Hereudeen Bay had no commercial importance until the recent 
openingof a coal mine in the latter, which has drawn attention to this almost unknown 
region. The Albatross visited the mine twice during the season of 1890, and made a 
survey which was found to be sufficiently accurate for purposes of navigation. The 
chart should be used with caution, however, until it is ascertained whether the exten- 
sive banks guarding the entrance are permanent or shifting. 

To enter Port Moller from the southward, pass Walrus Island in from 10 to 12 
fathoms and bring Entrance Point to bear east-southeast. It will then be about 8 
miles distant and have the appearance of being the southern extremity of a high and 
bold headland, the first that approaches the coast between that point and Cape Glase- 
uap. Stand in, keeping the point on the above bearing until within 2 or 3 miles, 
when it will show as a low spit backed by a cluster of hillocks, the high land before 
referred to being seen farther inland. Pass Entrance Point at a distance of 1 mile, 
steering about SSE. £ E., and stand for Harbor Point, passing it within a quarter of a 
mile, where anchorage may be found. The point is low. 

A shoal makes off from Eutrauce Point about northwest by north, extending be- 
tween 3 and 4 miles, and vessels making for the harbor from the northward are liable 
to run in behind it. Entrance Point should not be brought to bear to the southward 
of southeast after having approached withiu 4 miles of it. 

To enter Hereudeen Bay, bring Eutrauce Point to bear NE. i E., 1 mile distant, 
and Point Divide SSW. § W., 8J miles distant; then steer for the latter, keeping it on 
that bearing until within 2£ miles, when the course may be changed to about SW. ^ 
S., passing in mid channel between Point Divide and Doe Point. The least water is 
4 fathoms at the entrance to the channel. 

Having cleared Hague Channel, bring Coal Bluff to bear SE. ^ S., and stand for 
it until Point Divide bears S. by E. A E., li miles distant and about 400 yards open of 
Doe Point; then SSE. % E., until Eagle Bock is abeam, keeping the above points a 
little open to clear Half Tide Bock. Then steer S. by E. \ E. until Shingle Point is 
abeam, when a course may be laid for Mine Harbor, giving Bluff Point a berth of a 
quarter of a mile. 

Mine Harbor is small but free from dangers, except Midway Beef, which shows at 
half tide. Anchor in from 12 to 15 fathoms, and if a vessel intends to remain any 
time it is advisable to moor. 

It is high water in Mine Harbor, full and change, at 8 hours minutes seconds, 
rise 15 feet, and it occurs at Entrance Point about two hours earlier, with a rise of 10 
to 12 feet. 

Hague Channel is 1 mile in width at its northern entrance, and is contracted to 



282 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES PISH COMMISSION. 

less than half a mile between Point Divide and Doe Point. The tidal streams are very 
strong, and near high water they sweep across the narrow channel aud over the flats, 
making it impossible to steer a compass course. They are more regular near low tide, 
which is the best time to make the passage, as the channel is indicated by the flats 
showing above water on either hand. 

Johnston Channel has from 7 to 15 fathoms of water, but is very narrow with 
steep sides. It is difficult to find but, once in, the navigation is comparatively simple, 
as the tides follow the general direction of deep water. The width of the northern 
entrance is a quarter of a mile, with little variation until near the south extremity, 
where it contracts to 250 yards. Having cleared the channel and entered the upper 
bay, there is ample room aud depth of water in every direction, Crow Reef being the 
only outlying danger. 

Anchorages may be found anywhere between Walrus Island aud Entrance Point 
in case of fog, and a vessel may anchor in Hague Channel, but the tides are strong. 
There are fairly good anchorages under the north side of Point Divide and Doe Point 
where, near the bank, a vessel will be out of the strength of the current. The Alba- 
tross anchored in mid-channel a mile inside of the above points at the time of spring 
tides, and the flood came in with a bore between 2 and 3 feet in height, the pateut log 
registering a 9-knot current for some time, with a swell which occasionally splashed 
into the scuppers. There is fair anchorage off the northern entrance to Johnston 
Channel, and an excellent one at its southern extremity, off Marble Point, or, in tact, 
almost anywhere in the upper bay. The last quarter of the flood tide is the best 
time to pass through this channel. 

High land rises at the base of Harbor Point, and extends to the northward and 
eastward near the center of the peninsula. Point Divide is 50 feet in height, and 
mountain ranges rise a few miles back. The coal measures are found between Mine 
Harbor and the head of Port Moller. Doe Point is 40 feet in height, while the rest of 
Deer Island and the mainland south aud west of it is generally lower. The southern 
shores of Hereudeen Bay are mountainous with intervening valleys, the whole face of 
the country being covered with rank grass aud wild flowers during the summer mouths; 
but there is no timber except occaNional small poplars, alder bushes, and willows. 
Fresh winds with fog and mist blow across the low divides from the Pacific, obscuring 
the sun aud greatly increasing the rainfall in Port Moller and vicinity. 

The region is uninhabited, except by men employed at the coal mine, yet bears and 
reindeer were plentiful, and the waters teemed with salmon. There are no large fresh- 
water streams entering the bay, however, which probably accounts for the absence of 
Esquimaux. 

The coal mine in Hereudeen Bay lies 1^ miles from the landing in Mine Harbor, the 
coal being transported to the water front by a steam motor over a light tramway. 

The opening of this mine is an event of no little importance to vessels visiting 
Bering Sea, and, the Albatross having used between 200 aud 300 tons of its first out- 
put, the following report of Passed Assistant Engineer C. it. ttoelker, TJ. S. Navy, 
chief engineer of this vessel, on the results obtained by the consumption of SO tons 
of this coal, will be read with more than usual interest : 

The following statement regarding the coal received from the mine recently opened at Herendeen 
Bay is based on the results obtained wtih some HO tuns of this coal consumed while this vessel was 
engaged in her regular work at sea, uuder average conditions The quantities of coal consumed aud 



FISHING GROUNDS OP BRISTOL BAY. 283 

of refuse matter were carefully measured, the behavior of (he coal in the furnaces was closely observed, 
and the results obtained have been deduced from the entries in the steam log. 

Theaverage consumption of (be coal was at the rate of 25 pounds per square foot of grate per hour. 
The boilers furnished the same amount of steam as when we have been using a fair quality of Welling- 
ton coal, but to obtain the result we had to burn from 20 to 25 per cent, more of tho Herendeen Bay 
coal. 

The coal ignites readily, and burns with considerable flame, forming a closely cohering coke which 
easily breaks up into small pieces ; thus a considerable amount of small particles of coal is lost through 
the grates. There was a large proportion of fine stuff in tbe coal, which burned well, but contained 
an excessive quantity of refuse matter. The refuse amounted to 26 per cent, of the total weight of 
fuel consumed; it consists of ash and cinders, no glassy clinkers being formed. The smoke produced 
is lighter in color than that of Wellington coal, and less soot is formed. 

To form a correct estimate of the value of this coal for steaming purposes from the foregoing state- 
ment, the following facts should be taken into consideration, viz : The coal received by us was the first 
lot taken from this newly opened mine. It came from one of the smaller veins, through which a tunnel 
had been driven then a distance of about 200 feet, in order to get access To the main veins. No proper 
facilities for screening the coal existed, and in order to supply the quantity required by us a large 
amount of fine coal containing much dirt was delivered. It may be reasonably expected that, as the 
mine becomes further developed and proper screening facilities are provided, the amount of refuse 
matter in the coal will be greatly diminished and its steam-generating power correspondingly in- 
creased. It will be absolutely necessary, however, to store this coal under shelter, as it appears to 
absorb moisture readily, and the constant rains which have prevailed in this region during the present 
season would soon saturate it to such an extent as to greatly diminish its value as fuel. 



THE COAST FROM PORT MOLI.ER TO THE KUSKOKWIM RIVER. 

Tbe coast is low for 19 miles between Entrance Poiut and Cape Kutuzof, wbicb 
rises iu a rounded bluff to an elevation of 150 feet. 

Cape Seniavin, 11 miles to tbe northward and eastward, is a rocky point 75 feet 
bigb. Passing it, the low monotonous beach continues to tbe Seal Islands; a cluster of 
small hillocks near the beach, 12 miles from Cape Seniavin, being the only exception. 

The Seal Islands are composed of several small islets but little above high water, 
strung along near the coast for about 10 miles. Thence to Strogonof Point the land 
continues very low. 

Port Haideu is said to be a good harbor, but we did not examine it. Should a 
survey show it to be safe and easy of approach, it will prove a great convenience to 
vessels employed on the northern part of Baird Bank. The approach to Port Haideu 
will be recognized by high bold headlands, which rise from its northern shore. 

Chestakof Island, low and crescent-shaped, forms tbe seaward side of the harbor, 
tbe channel lying between its northern extremity and a reef which makes out from the 
land. The same low coast extends to Cape Menchikof iu nearly a direct line, the high 
land of Port Haideu gradually receding from the coast. 

The Ugashik, or Sulima River, lies to the northward of Cape Menchikof, and has 
been reported navigable for several miles by vessels of 14-feet draft. The schooner 
Pearl enters the river, but her captain reports a wide bar having intricate channels, 
strong currents, and usually a heavy swell. Ten feet is about all that can be carried 
in with safety. Once inside, it is reported to be a good harbor, but it can hardly be 
considered available for the ordinary purposes of fishing vessels. 

Cape Grey, a bluff -43 feet in height, and a peculiar notched mountain some dis- 
tance inland, aie good landmarks for the river. The low coast continues from thecape 



284 ' BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 

to the Ugaguk River, and thence to the Naknek River, with hardly a distinguishing 
feature, except Johnston's Hill, a solitary elevation 5 miles from the beach and about 
!) miles S. £ E. from the month ot the Nakuek. The coast sweeps in a graceful curve 
to the northward between Cape Grey and the Ugaguk, and thence to the eastward to 
the Naknek River. A gravel bank lines the coast in several places, behind which a 
narrow strip of water is seen, particularly at or near high tide. 

The Naknek River may be considered as the head of deep-water navigation in 
Bristol Bay. The Albatross found anchorage in 6 fathoms about 6 miles southwest 
from Cape Suworof, the water shoaling rapidly to 3 fathoms toward the head of the 
bay. Vessels of moderate draft can pass the bar at high water, but there is hardly 
depth enough to float a ship's boat when the tide is out. It is deeper inside, however, 
and a small vessel may find anchorage with swinging room. There is a fishing station 
on the river which is visited periodically by a small steam tender. The South Head 
is in latitude 58° 42' 04.3" K, and longitude 157° 02' 45.4" W. High water, full and 
change, 1 hour 5 minutes; rise, 23 feet. Shoal ground makes off from the west 
shore, confining the channel in one place to about 3 miles in width. It may possibly 
be a middle ground with a channel on either side, but the conditions off Etolin Poiut 
seem to disprove this. 

The Nushagak River is assuming considerable importance as the location of a 
trading station and of several large and well-equipped salmon-canning establishments. 
Protection Point, the entrance to the river, is 50 miles SW. by W. from the Naknek 
River, and, owing to swift currents and extensive shoals, it may be classed among the 
most intricate pieces of navigation in Bristol Bay. A C-knot current is frequently 
encountered, hence the shifting of banks and shoals must be expected, and the neces- 
sity for the constant use of the hand lead becomes too obvious to require remark ; 
indeed, the warning from a lead on each side will leave but a small margin of safety 
at times. The land on both sides of the entrance is very low, and it is difficult to 
recognize Etolin Point even under favorable conditions. A vessel from the westward 
would make the Walrus Group and follow the coast to Cape Constantine, and, having 
cleared the outlying shoals, stand in for Protection Point, which is difficult of recog- 
nition from a distance. 

Nichol's Hills, 280 feet iu height, are a cluster of rounded elevations 5 miles north- 
west of the above point, and are the first natural objects distinguishable on the penin- 
sula. Bring them to bear west-northwest and stand in, keeping them on that bearing 
until Protection Point bears about south, and anchor, making due allowance for falling 
tide. 

There is a pilot station on the Point, with a small flagstaff, on which a flag will 
be hoisted if the pilot is at home. He is an Esquimau, and speaks very little English, 
but he knows the channel. If he is not at the Point when the vessel arrives, he will 
probably be at Ekuk, and may be expected on board within a few hours if the weather 
is not too rough for his kayak. A stranger should not attempt to enter without a 
pilot, unless from necessity. 

Clark's Point is 18 miles north by west from Protection Point, the usual anchorage 
being from half a mile to a mile above it. 

Ekuk, au Esquimau village, is on the bluff nearly 3 miles below Clark's Poiut. 

Clark's Point is a bluff 200 feet in height, beginning below Ekuk and extending 
2 or 3 miles up the river, and thence to Nushagak. It varies from 100 to 150 feet iu 



FISHING GROUNDS OP BRISTOL BAY. ' 285 

height. The west side is generally lower, but from Coffee Point to the northward the 
bluffs rise from 50 to 200 feet. 

The reconnoissance of the Lower Nushagak was made daring the few days we were 
detained ia the river. The principal points are located by triangnlation, Clark's Point 
by astronomical observations, and the reduction of soundings to low water depends 
upon the tides during our stay. It is to be regretted that we were unable to extend 
the soundings to the west shore. 

The Nushagak Packing Company have a cannery at Clark's Point, and there are 
three others, besides a trading station, in the river, the latter at Nushagak, formerly 
called Fort Alexander. Vessels of moderate draft cau reach the canneries, aud, with 
a little care, find anchorage with sufficient water even during the lowest tides. The 
timber line is well defined about 3 miles below the mouth of Wood River, and extends 
to the westward as far as the eye can reach. The weather was pleasant during our 
stay, and, from all reports, they have less fog in the Nuskagak than in any other part 
of Bering Sea. 

Clark's Point (foot of bluff) is in latitude 58° 49' 14" N. and longitude 158° 31' 43.9" 
W. High water, full aud change, hours 53 minutes, approximate; rise, 24 feet. 
Variation, 23° 40' east. 

Cape Constantine, the southeast extremity of land at the entrance to the Nushagak, 
is very low, and shoals extend 10 or 12 miles to the southward aud eastward, making 
its approach in thick weather very dangerous. There is said to be a channel between 
the cape and the first shoal, but the report requires verification. The coast line 
increases in height to the westward of the cape, the headlands in Kulukak and Togiak 
Bays reaching au altitude of 500 feet or more. 

. The Walrus Group is composed of three islands and three rocks, all above water, 
extending 16 miles east and west, and about 6 miles north and south. 

Round Island, the easternmost of the group, lies W. A S., 36 miles from Cape Con- 
stantiut'. It is nearly 2 miles in length, three-quarters of a mile wide, aud about 800 
feet high, its west end being in latitude 58° 36' 00" N. aud in longitude 150° 57' 51.7" W. 

Crooked Island is between 4 and 5 miles in length aud 2 miles in greatest width. 
The eastern part is rather low, but toward the western extremity the elevation is 
nearly equal to that of Round Island. There is quite a large bay on the northeast 
side, but we did not examine it. 

High Islaud, the western most of the group, is 4 miles in length, about a mile in 
width, aud 900 feet or more in height. 

The Twins are two isolated rocks 4 miles to the southward of Crooked Island, 
the larger 300 and the smaller 100 feet in height. 

Black Rock, about 150 feet high, lies 1 mile to the northward of the south end of 
Crooked Island. 

No other outlying dangers were seen in passing between the islands and the main- 
laud. From 6 to 10 fathoms were fouud abreast of the group, the depth gradually 
decreasing to 3 fathoms off the north end of Hagemeister Islaud. We were near the 
shore, however, and would doubtless have fouud more water in mid-channel. 

Hagemeister Island lies 9 miles west of High Islaud, aud is 14 miles in length and 
8 in width. It is mountainous except for about 5 miles at the north end. Shoal ground 
surrounds the island and extends from 20 to 25 miles to the eastward, including the 
area between Hagemeister aud the Walrus Group. 



286 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 

Hagemeister Channel is about 16 miles in length and lies between the island of that 
name and the mainland. It is from 3 to 4 miles in width, but shingle spits contract it 
in two places to less than 2 miles. The least water was 4J fathoms. Good anchorage 
was found under Tongue Point, the shingle spit making out from the mainland about 
midway of the chauuel. From the above anchorage the Albatross stood directly to 
sea, passing within a mile of the southwestern extremity of Hagemeister Island; 
thence S. £ W., shoaling the water to 3 fathoms 7 miles from the island. Greater 
depths might possibly be found by taking a more westerly course. The tides are very 
strong through the channel. We were visited by a number of Esquimaux while at 
anchor under Tongue Point. 

Cape Peirce is of moderate height and symmetrical form, while Cape Neweuham 
is high, with sharp peaks and rugged lines. The Albatross found anchorage under 
the latter cape near Seal Rock during a southerly gale, and laid it out very comfort- 
ably, notwithstanding swift currents and heavy tide rips. 

The Kuskokwim River is much dreaded by navigators on account of its extensive 
shoals, strong currents, etc. The Albatross ascended it between 35 and 40 miles with- 
out difficulty or delay, but encountered extensive shoals on her return. Thick weather 
and the lack of time prevented an extended examination. They commenced about 9 
miles west-southwest from Good News Bay and extended iu a westerly direction for 10 
miles or more. There is a channel between the shoal and the laud about 4 miles wide, 
having a depth of 5 fathoms. From a point 5 miles west-southwest from the west 
head of Good News Bay we stood direct for Cape Neweuham, the least depth being 4 
fathoms. Great quantities of fresh water are borue down the Kuskokwim by the 
rapid currents, and, while there have been no surveys by which changes can be noted, 
there seems no reasonable doubt that great alterations have taken place since Cook 
ascended the river in the last century. 

METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF BRISTOL BAY. 

The winds and weather iu Bristol Bay and the other parts of Bering Sea visited by 
the Albatross from the last of May to the 1st of September, 1890, may be summarized 
in a few words. 

Southwest winds prevailed, but we had them frequently from southeast to north- 
west. It was boisterous weather nearly half the time, but seldom rough enough to 
interfere with our work. We had several summer gales of moderate force, but no 
severe storms. Fog and mist prevailed, and a clear day was the rare exception. The 
tidal currents were strongest in the vicinity of Unimak Pass and at the head of the 
bay ; they were greatly affected, however, by the winds. The flood stream set to the 
northward and slightly inshore along the coasts of Unimak and the peninsula, the 
ebb to the southward and offshore. The former was invariably the stronger, and 
probably found an outlet by sweeping past Cape Constautine in the direction of Cape 
Neweuham. There has been no systematic study of the currents of Bering Sea, and 
the almost constant fogs prevent the navigator from adding much to our meager 
knowledge concerning them. 



FISHING GROUNDS OF BRISTOL BAY. 287 

THE CODFISHING BANKS OF BRISTOL BAT. 

The codfish banks of Bristol Bay extend from Unimak Pass, along the Bering 
Sea shores of the island of that name and the Alaska Peninsula, to Cape Chichagof, 
and thence to the Knlnkak Ground and the vicinity of Cape Newenham. 

Slime Bank extends from Northwest Gape of Unimak to the vicinity of Amak 
Island, embracing depths from 20 to 50 fathoms. It is about 85 miles iu length, 17 iu 
average width, and covers an area of 1,445 square miles. The character of the • 
bottom is generally black sand and gravel, pebbles being frequently added, with rocks 
near shore and mud in the greater depths. 

The bank received its name from the fishermen on account of the number of 
medusie or jelly fishes found on it. The species was unknown to our naturalists, but 
it may be described as brownish or rusty in color, from 6 to 18 inches in diameter, and 
with long slender tentacles well covered with stinging cells. These jelly fishes seem 
to inhabit an intermediate space near the bottom, very few being seen on the surface. 
Their numbers increase during the season until they become, a great nuisance to the 
fishermen. Codfish of fair size and good quality were very plentiful over the whole 
bank, and scattering specimens of small halibut were taken. 

A well-found fishing schooner could anchor anywhere on this ground between May 
and September with an even chance of being able to lay out any gale she would 
encounter. Shaw Bay affords excellent protection against winds from southeast to 
southwest. 

Baird Bank has been named by the writer in honor of the late Prof. Spencer F. 
Baird, the first U. S. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, through whose untiring 
efforts the great scheme of deep sea fishery investigation was inaugurated. This 
bank is the largest and most valuable of the fishing grounds yet discovered iu Bering 
Sea. Commencing in the viciuity of Amak Island, it stretches along the coast of tin- 
peninsula to Cape Chichagof, 230 miles, with an average width of 40 miles, and thus 
covers an area of 9,200 square miles. The depths range from 15 to 50 fathoms, with 
a bottom of fine gray sand, occasional spots of black sand, black sand and gravel, 
and a few rocky patches near the shore. 

Well-equipped fishing vessels cau anchor anywhere on Baird Bank and lay out 
such winds as she would be likely to encounter during the summer mouths. The penin- 
sula will afford a weather shore for southeast winds, and Amak Island offers fairly 
good protection on its southeast and southwest sides. Port Moller and Herendeen 
Bay will be ports of call for fishermen when they become better known. Port Haideu 
also may become available after it has been surveyed. 

We found codfish iu great abundance and of good quality over the whole bank, but 
the best fishing ground is without doubt in depths between 25 and 40 fathoms, and 
the Port Moller region is the most prolific. Fish taken near shore were smaller and 
apparently not in as good condition. Codfish are found on the Kulukak Ground and 
iu the region of Cape Newenham, but they are smaller and inferior in quality to those 
on the shores of Unimak and the peninsula. 

Codfish have their enemies in Bering Sea as well as in other parts of the world. 
Many wounded fish are seen, particularly in spring and fall, after the passage of the 
seals into and out of the sea. This phenomenon is observed more noticeably near the 
passes between the Aleutian Islands. Bering Sea also suffers, in common with other 



288 BULLETIN OP THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 

prolific grounds that are not much fished upon, in that numbers of fish are left to die 
of old age or other natural causes. At a certaiu age the fish become weak and more 
liable to be infested with parasites, all of which is soon apparent from the general 
condition of the victims. This is a trouble which decreases, however, as a bank 
becomes more generally fished. 

Scattering specimens of small halibut of fine quality were found on Baird Bank. 
Flounders of several species, some of thein excellent fish, were also taken in the beam 
trawl wherever it was lowered in Bering Sea. 



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